The Supreme Federal Court (STF) of Brazil is in the process of announcing its votes regarding the high-profile case of Marielle Franco, a councilwoman from the PSOL party who was assassinated in 2018. Today's proceedings mark an important step in the judicial process as the justices reveal their decisions on the culpability of the accused, including former deputy Chiquinho Brazão, his brother, and a former police chief, all implicated in planning the murder. This trial is pivotal not only for delivering justice in the Franco case, but also for tackling broader issues of political violence and crime in Brazil.

The accused have been in custody since March 2024 and are charged with orchestrating Franco's assassination, which drew national and international condemnation. The case captivated public attention due to Franco's activism for human rights and her vocal opposition to police violence in favelas. The justices' ruling could set a precedent in the fight against impunity for crimes committed against public officials and highlight the underlying issues of organized crime impacting political stability in Brazil.

As the votes are cast today, there is significant public interest in the outcome, with the possibility of a guilty verdict meaning that the justices will then deliberate on the appropriate sentences for those found guilty. The PGR (Attorney General's Office) has asserted that the Brazão brothers not only planned the murder but are also involved in leading a criminal organization responsible for various illegal activities in Rio de Janeiro, further complicating the narrative surrounding Franco's assassination and the broader implications for accountability in Brazilian politics.